The DC Summer Policy Institute is designed for rising high school juniors and seniors who are interested in exploring public policy and experiencing college-level study.

Students do not need previous coursework or experience in public policy to participate.

• Review the DC Summer Policy Institute website to explore courses, program dates, costs, and the student experience.
• Sign up to receive more information about the DC Summer Policy Institute.
• Contact the DC Summer Policy Institute team at brookssummer@cornell.edu with questions.

No. Previous coursework in public policy is not required to participate in the DC Summer Policy Institute.

The program is designed for students from a range of academic backgrounds who are interested in exploring public policy through college-level coursework and hands-on learning in Washington, D.C.

The DC Summer Policy Institute gives high school students the opportunity to experience college-level public policy study while learning in Washington, D.C.

The program is based at Cornell University’s Wolpe Hall in Dupont Circle, placing students in the heart of the nation’s capital and close to government institutions, international organizations, nonprofits, health care organizations, and other places where public policy is put into practice.

As part of the Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy, the program combines:

• College-level coursework: Study public policy through seminar-style courses taught by Cornell faculty and earn Cornell college credit.
• Washington, D.C., as your classroom: Extend your learning beyond the Wolpe Hall through site visits, conversations with policy professionals, and other experiences connected to your course.
• Exposure to policy careers: Learn about the people and organizations working across government, nonprofit organizations, health care, international affairs, and other policy-related fields.
• A community of students interested in policy: Learn alongside other high school students who share your curiosity about public policy and the issues shaping our world.

The DC Summer Policy Institute is based at Cornell University’s Wolpe Hall in Washington, D.C., located in the Dupont Circle neighborhood near the Dupont Circle Metro station.

Its central location gives students access to government institutions, nonprofit organizations, international organizations, health care institutions, and other organizations working on public policy throughout Washington, D.C.

No. The DC Summer Policy Institute is a non-residential program. Housing and meals are not provided as part of the program.

Students and their families are responsible for arranging accommodations and transportation to and from the program. Students should bring a lunch with them each day.

DC Summer Policy Institute courses are taught by Cornell faculty with expertise in the policy issues students are studying.

In Summer 2027, students can choose from four two-week courses offered across two sessions.

Each course explores a different area of public policy through college-level coursework and experiential learning in Washington, D.C.

Students participating in one session select one course. Students who attend both sessions take one course during each session.

Session 1: Promoting Youth Well-Being in the Age of Social Media: Practical and Policy Solutions

Session 1: Course info coming soon!

Session 2: Powering the Future: Energy, Environment, and Public Policy

Session 2: Democracy Policy in the World

The 2027 DC Summer Policy Institute will be offered during two two-week sessions:

• Session 1: July 6–16, 2027
  • Session 1: Tuesday–Saturday, July 6-10; Monday–Friday, July 12-16
  • One Saturday session is included (July 10) to accommodate the Fourth of July holiday.
• Session 2: July 19–30, 2027
  • Session 2: Monday–Friday, July 19-23; Monday–Friday, July 26-30

Students may participate in one two-week session or attend both sessions.

Yes. Students may attend one two-week session or participate in both sessions.

Students attending both sessions take one course during each session, allowing them to explore two different areas of public policy and earn additional Cornell college credit.

Yes. Each two-week course offers 2 Cornell college credits.

Students who participate in one session can earn 2 credits. Students who attend both sessions and successfully complete one course during each session can earn a total of 4 Cornell credits.

The DC Summer Policy Institute combines college-level coursework with opportunities to experience public policy beyond the classroom.

Depending on the course and schedule, students may spend their days participating in seminar-style classes, working with classmates, meeting guest policy professionals, visiting organizations and institutions throughout Washington, D.C., and exploring how the topics they study in class connect to real-world policy challenges.

Specific schedules and activities vary by course and session.

Washington, D.C., serves as an extension of the classroom during the DC Summer Policy Institute.

Experiential learning opportunities are connected to students’ coursework and may include visits to government institutions, nonprofit organizations, health care organizations, international organizations, embassies, and other policy-focused organizations.

During the inaugural 2026 program, students participated in experiences at locations including Capitol Hill, Children’s National Hospital, the National Endowment for Democracy, the Organization of American States, and the embassies of Estonia and Antigua and Barbuda.

Experiences and site visits vary from year to year and by course.

Participants who apply by February 1, 2027, will benefit from discounted program tuition and fees of $5,300 for one session.

Starting February 2, 2027, program tuition and fees will total $5,800 for one session.

A non-refundable $500 deposit is due to secure a spot in the program.

Yes. Thanks to generous scholarship support, the DC Summer Policy Institute can offer scholarships to student applicants. All applicants will automatically be reviewed for scholarships.

Students must submit a complete application to be considered for the DC Summer Policy Institute.

Students who apply by February 1, 2027, will benefit from discounted program tuition and fees of $5,300 for one session. Starting February 2, 2027, program tuition and fees will total $5,800 for one session.

Apply Here

For questions about the DC Summer Policy Institute, eligibility, courses, costs, scholarships, or the application process, please contact the DC Summer Policy Institute team at brookssummer@cornell.edu.